Liverpool take on Premier League champions-elect Manchester City in the first leg of their colossal Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday. Both clubs have been primed to have one of the best-attacking units and Jurgen Klopp’s Merseysiders were the first team to subject City to a loss in the domestic top-flight this season.
Although City and Liverpool are equally deserving of the title this season, only one can progress forward. Guardiola and Klopp have set up some impressive squads, however, betting websites like Unibet have predicted City to have an upper hand when it comes to the combined lineup. These are the XI players who makes our combined XI ahead of the encounter.
Manchester City and Liverpool combined XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Ederson Moraes (GK)
This is an obvious choice since Ederson has been in fine form for City on a consistent basis whereas Liverpool’s goalkeeping options have blown hot and cold throughout the season.
Kyle Walker (RB)
Walker is an important part of Guardiola’s squad. He has delivered some solid performances in terms of attacking as well as defending. Thus, he makes it to the combined XI ahead of Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Nicolas Otamendi (CB)
Otamendi has been one of City’s standout performers this season and has not shied away from contributing with goals and assists, in addition to being a stoic presence at the back.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
van Dijk’s inclusion has certainly changed the face of the Liverpool defence and the Dutchman’s influence is evident enough to provide him with a spot in this lineup.
Andy Robertson (LB)
Due to injury troubles, Guardiola has experimented with his left-back choices but Robertson has been solid on the left side for Liverpool for a good majority of the season.
David Silva (CM)
Silva is one of City’s most potent players and it would be criminal to exclude him from this combined XI.
Kevin De Bruyne (CM)
The same goes for De Bruyne as well. His creativity and attacking prowess have unlocked several doors for the Cityzens, thus making it imperative for him to be included.
Fernandinho (CM)
Similarly, Fernandinho has also essayed a crucial role for the club as the defensive midfielder and there is absolutely no way that Emre Can or Jordan Henderson could make it ahead of him.
Raheem Sterling (LW)
Sterling’s link-up play has been phenomenal this season and he has remarkably transformed under Guardiola’s watchful eye. Although Sadio Mane is a tough competitor, Sterling has been influential as well as consistent with City.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
The man of the moment, Mohamed Salah, makes it to the right-wing ahead of Leroy Sane. Although the youngster has been brilliant, there is nobody who can match up to Salah’s impact in the Premier League – or maybe even across Europe – right now.
Sergio Aguero (ST)
It was tough to choose between Aguero and Roberto Firmino but the Argentine makes the cut solely due to his ability to make things work by himself.